Hanoi (VNA) – The visit to Indiaby National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan is expected to deepen thebilateral relations, Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc told the media afterthe visit concluded on December 11.

He said the visit, which lasted from December8-11, helped concretize the comprehensive strategic partnership establishedduring Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Vietnam in September thisyear. It contributed to reinforcing and expanding the multifaceted cooperationbetween the two countries at a time when they are celebrating the 45thanniversary of diplomatic ties (1972-2017) and 10th anniversary of strategicpartnership (2007-2017).

The signing of an agreement between the twocountries’ parliaments on this occasion will also create a legal framework forthe two law making bodies to boost their ties, the deputy minister said.

While highlighting the time-honoured friendshipbetween Vietnam and India, Deputy Minister Ngoc pointed to bright prospects ofbilateral ties, with the elevation of the bilateral strategic partnership to a comprehensivestrategic partnership creating a strong momentum for cooperation across the fields.

In addition, the high political trust betweenthe two countries provides a favourable environment for not onlypolitical-diplomatic and security-defence ties but also economic, trade andinvestment collaboration to grow, he said, noting that India is one of the top10 trade partners of Vietnam with two-way trade seeing an annual average growthof 16 percent and surpassing 5 billion USD in 2015.

India expects to become the biggest foreigninvestor in Vietnam once Tata group launches its 2 billion USD Long Phu thermalpower plant in the southern province of Soc Trang.

Both nations are effectively coordinating toexploit oil and gas in Vietnam’s continental shelf while actively workingtogether to explore new oil and gas fields in Vietnam and third countries, hesaid.

Deputy Minister Ngoc underlined defence-securitycooperation as a strategic pillar in the bilateral relations, with Indiaproviding preferential credit packages to Vietnam to help the country improvedefence capacity and sharing experience in UN peacekeeping activities.

Chairwoman Ngan’s visit also gave a boost tocooperation in science-technology, education and training, and culture, with anumber of agreements signed in the use of nuclear power for peaceful purpose,among others.

India is providing about 150 scholarships forVietnamese students through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation(ITEC) programme as well as technical support in computer and hi-tech fields.

The scheduled launch of direct flights betweenHanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and New Delhi in July 2017 is expected to help promotetourism and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, he added.

The diplomat also stressed that Vietnam alwayssupports the Act East policy of India while India considers Vietnam a keypillar in this policy.

As a coordinator of ASEAN-India relations in2015-2018, Vietnam is willing to help India forge connectivity with otherSoutheast Asian countries, he said.

Vietnam also appreciates India’s viewpointregarding the maintenance of peace, stability, security, safety and freedom ofaviation and navigation in the East Sea, as well as respect for diplomaticnegotiations and international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Lawof the Sea (UNCLOS).

Deputy Minister Ngoc said Vietnam supports Indiato become a permanent member of an expanded UN Security Council and recognisesIndia’s remarkable contributions at international forums such as ASEAN-India, EastAsia Summit (EAS), Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), Mekong–Ganga Cooperation,Non-Aligned Movement, South-South Cooperation, Mekong–Ganga Cooperation, andIndia’s efforts to step up the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership(RCEP)./.